Dilute, dispersed, multicomponent suspensions containing Ce-ZrO,, AI,O,, and varying Al,O,-platelet contents were centrifugally consolidated. Despite the favorable conditions for segregation, phase and size segregation did not occur in the highest Al,O,-platelet content suspension. The suspension properties did not consist of agglomeration, high solids fractions, or high suspension viscosities typically attributed with segregation prevention. Thus, a new mechanism is suggested, considering the effects of hydrodynamic particle interactions (interference drag or "drafting") on particle arrangement during consolidation. Particle drafting is proposed and supported as a mechanism for preventing segregation, and the importance of hydrodynamic particle interactions in ceramic processing is discussed.

No abstract

Due to the highly anisotropic properties of BSCCO superconductors, the bulk properties of these materials can be greatly affected by preferential orientation. Substantial c-axis orientation normal to the desired direction of current flow has been demonstrated by centrifugally slip casting lead-doped BSCCO-2223. The strong preferred orientation developed in the centrifugally slip-cast material demonstrates high critical current potential.